2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R: Overview

1 April 2019

With its new 2019 Panigale V4 R, the Italian company Ducati is accelerating into a mechanical craze, turning all concepts upside down and triggering a storm in the Superbike market. Like an enviable thorn in the side of its green rival who is lining up the WSBK titles, Ducati is bringing out the heavy artillery.

A motor that pushes the boundaries of speed

Its new V4 engine, designed in part thanks to the technical expertise acquired in MotoGP, proves that its technical data surpasses all its rivals. There are no new superlatives that can express the feeling this new Ducati Panigale V4 R will arouse once you sit astride it. Its engine smashes any limit set by a standard 1000 cc model in terms of velocity and power. It spits out 221 horsepower at 15,500 rpm, while its electronic maximum rpm cut-off switch kicks in at 16,500 rpm, 2500 rpm higher than its direct competitors. 

Its exceptional power is made possible thanks to its redesigned and lightweight internal components. The redesigned crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, valves, oil pump and alternator have reduced the weight by 1200 g. And a reduced piston stroke provides a displacement of 998 cc, making it easier to reach full throttle.

Ducati Panigale V4 R: competition version 

The chassis has also evolved from the V4 S model; lightweight (172 kg dry weight) and stiffened on the front end, it also benefits from a double-sided swinging arm with 4 adjustable anchor positions. The suspension system is provided by Öhlins – a pressurized NPX 25/30 fork damping system and a TTX36 shock absorber, both fully adjustable in the conventional manner. The rest of the body follows the mechanical madness with Stylema calipers – the most efficient in the Brembo range – and Marchesini forged aluminium rims.

You can’ t talk about superbikes without talking about electronic steering assistance. In this respect, the Ducati Panigale V4 R is no exception. It is equipped with an arsenal that includes engine and steering mapping modes, traction control (DTC EVO), wheelie control, slide control (DSC EVO), engine brake control (EBC EVO), up/down quick shift assistance, ABS that remains in action during cornering, stationary start assistance and a speed limiter for the pit lane.

Aerodynamic effect

Style-wise, the Panigale is not left behind: it evolves according to aerodynamic studies, with carbon-fibre appendices on each side of a wider fairing with a more tapered cowling. This is intended to reduce air impact on the rider, while the air intake conveyors provide additional support on the front-end in the order of 30 kg at 270 km/h. The designers have not forgotten to refine their “R” version with beautiful carbon fibre parts and a clear-coat finish on the fuel tank.

The new Ducati Panigale V4 R – coming soon to your Ducati Montreal dealer – sets the new standard for design and performance in this category, a world-class racing machine for all riders to enjoy. That is, for those who can afford it.

-By Pascal Bastien